Wisdom Teeth Removal in San Jose
You may need to have your wisdom teeth extracted at some point in your life. It is rare for a person to have enough room for all of their wisdom teeth, and as a result, they tend to grow in impacted. This can be uncomfortable, pushing your other teeth forward and creating a space for food to become trapped; it can also increase your risk of infection and decay. This is why we often recommend that our patients have their wisdom teeth removed. When you schedule an appointment with Patient First Dental, we can examine you, take X-rays, and let you know if and when you should schedule an extraction procedure. You can reach us by calling (408) 226-5560.
What is Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
Wisdom teeth extraction is an oral surgery that removes the molars at the back of your mouth, which often causes jaw pain and other problems. Our wisdom teeth used to be essential in chewing food with more force. However, our jaw shrunk over time because of changes in diet, leaving less room for this third set of molars.
Wisdom teeth typically emerge in adults between the ages of 17 and 25. Some people may not have any wisdom teeth at all, but most people have up to four.
When is Wisdom Tooth Removal Necessary?
Dr. Baik often suggests wisdom teeth extraction to San Jose patients when any of the following situations occur:
- Impacted Wisdom Teeth – When a wisdom tooth grows improperly and gets trapped inside the gums, it can cause pain and infection.
- Crowding or Misalignment Issues – When a wisdom tooth grows improperly, it may cause crowding and push other teeth out of alignment.
- Gum Disease or Cavities – Wisdom teeth are more susceptible to cavities and gum infections due to their difficulty in being adequately cleaned.
- Avoiding Future Problems – It is possible to avoid infections, cysts, and harm to neighboring teeth by extracting wisdom teeth early.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Process
There are usually several steps involved in wisdom teeth extraction.
Initial consultation
Dr. Baik will inspect your wisdom tooth and take an X-ray to find out its exact position in the jaw. If you need it, he may also offer different sedation options to help you feel more relaxed and comfortable during the procedure.
Surgery
- First, you will receive anesthesia to numb the area being worked on. We can offer nitrous oxide or other sedation options to help you relax or put you to sleep so you do not remember anything about the actual procedure.
- If your wisdom teeth have grown in straight, removing them is fairly easy. In this case, you would visit a dentist to have them pulled out using dental tools. Most likely, no surgery would be required. However, if your teeth are impacted, the procedure requires oral surgery. To access the actual tooth, the gum tissue covering it will need to be cut open. After numbing the area, a flap will be created in the gum tissue. This allows Dr. Baik to view the tooth. If muscle or bone is covering it, that will also need to be cut away to provide clear access to the actual tooth. At this point, Dr. Baik may be able to grab the tooth and simply lift it out of the socket. If, however, it does not budge when being wiggled, then the actual tooth will need to be broken into several pieces that can be extracted individually.
- Once the tooth has been entirely removed, the area will need to be carefully cleaned. Afterward, the flap of gum tissue can lay flat and be sutured back in place. To stop the bleeding, the dental team will place gauze on the area.
Wisdom Teeth FAQs
What are the aftercare steps following wisdom teeth extraction?
Immediately following wisdom teeth extraction, you will remain at our office until the effects of the anesthesia have worn off. During this time, you will be monitored to ensure that any bleeding has slowed and that the gauze is working sufficiently. So long as it is, you will be sent home to finish your recovery. Just make sure you have someone pick you up so you do not need to drive home on your own.
At Patient First Dental, we tell patients who are planning an extraction to prepare ahead of time. You will need to rest when you get home, so have your bed ready with plenty of pillows to prop up your head. Fill your nightstand with water bottles, additional gauze, ibuprofen, and some good books or movies. Plan on taking it easy for the next 48 hours. During that time, you may want to eat a lot of popsicles, ice cream, yogurt, warm soup, Jell-O, and other foods that are soft and do not require chewing. You will be too sore to try to eat anything else.
To help control the swelling, you should ice your face for 15 minutes at a time and take ibuprofen around the clock. This should be done for 24 to 48 hours. Afterward, you may still need some ibuprofen, but icing may no longer be necessary.
Gradually, you will be able to add in solid foods and begin to eat like normal. The key is to take it easy and not rush the process. Slowly add soft foods that are easy to chew and work your way up to dining at your favorite San Jose restaurant. It may take up to two weeks to be 100 percent back to normal, so during this time, be sure to avoid any nuts, chips, or foods that could crunch and scratch your gum tissue.
You will need to schedule a follow-up visit with the dentist who performed the procedure to ensure that you are healing properly. During this visit, you will get the sign-off to return to normal eating habits.
How long is wisdom teeth extraction recovery time?
The first 48 hours are critical since this is when you may experience bleeding, pressure, and swelling. After this, it can take a week or two to recover fully. Your actual recovery time will be based on the procedure and whether or not your wisdom teeth extraction was completed with surgery.
How to prevent an infection after removal?
As a dentist, we are always concerned about infections post-surgery. Whether you have a wisdom teeth extraction or need to have another tooth removed, there is always the risk that the area will become exposed to bacteria. To prevent this, you should rinse your mouth periodically with warm saltwater. Brushing your teeth is also important, even though you need to carefully avoid the surgical site. In some cases, an antibiotic mouth rinse may also be prescribed.
Is a wisdom teeth extraction really necessary?
At Patient First Dental, we understand that each of our patients is unique and so are their teeth. Whether or not you need to have your wisdom teeth removed by a dentist will really depend on the size of your palate. If you have plenty of room for all of your teeth and your third molars, they can stay in place. There is no point in removing something that grows in straight and is healthy. However, any tooth that becomes impacted needs to be removed because it is posing a direct threat to your other teeth and roots in addition to being a target for infections. The best way to find out if your wisdom teeth should be removed is to call (408) 226-5560 and schedule an appointment with our San Jose dentist’s office. We can make a recommendation and answer any other questions you have about the procedure itself.
Prevent Future Issues with Wisdom Teeth Removal
Patient First Dental provides wisdom teeth extraction in San Jose, CA. Our team of dental professionals performs this oral surgery with your comfort and safety in mind. If your wisdom teeth have just recently grown in, it is best to have them checked to find out if removal is necessary to prevent possible dental problems.
Frequently Ask Questions about Wisdom teeth extraction
What are the warning signs of dry socket after wisdom tooth removal?
Dry socket usually causes throbbing pain that starts two to four days after your tooth is removed and gets worse instead of better. The pain may spread to your ear or jaw on the same side. Other signs include an empty-looking socket where you can see bone, a bad taste or smell in your mouth, and pain that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter pain medicine. Dry socket happens when the blood clot at the extraction site comes out or dissolves too soon, leaving the bone and nerves exposed. If you notice these symptoms, call your dentist right away. Dry socket can be treated, but you’ll need a follow-up visit.
Can all four wisdom teeth be removed in one appointment, or is it usually done in stages?
Most patients have all of their wisdom teeth removed in a single appointment, since this means only one recovery period and one round of anesthesia or sedation rather than multiple. Whether this is recommended for you depends on factors such as the extent of the dental impact, your overall health, and your dentist’s assessment of the surgery’s complexity. In some cases, particularly more complex impactions or certain health conditions, a dentist may recommend removing teeth in two separate visits instead. Your dentist will review your X-rays and discuss the safest, most practical approach for your specific case.
How many days should I plan to take off work or school after wisdom teeth removal?
Most people plan to take off 2 to 3 days from work or school after wisdom teeth removal, though this varies based on how impacted the teeth were and the type of job or activities involved. Swelling and discomfort are usually most noticeable in the first 48 hours and improve steadily after that, even though full healing can take up to two weeks. Physically demanding jobs or activities may call for a few extra days off compared to desk work. Your dentist can give you a more specific estimate based on your particular case and how your recovery is progressing.
Should wisdom teeth be removed even if they aren’t currently causing any pain or problems?
Many dentists recommend removing wisdom teeth proactively, even without current pain, if X-rays show they’re impacted, poorly positioned, or likely to cause crowding or decay down the road, since problems are often easier to treat before they become painful or infected. However, wisdom teeth that are fully erupted, properly aligned, and easy to clean can sometimes be safely monitored instead of removed. The right choice depends on your specific tooth position and oral health. Regular X-rays and checkups help your dentist track whether your particular wisdom teeth are likely to cause future problems.
Is wisdom tooth extraction typically covered by dental insurance?
Wisdom tooth extraction is usually considered a medically necessary procedure rather than a cosmetic one, so many dental insurance plans provide at least partial coverage, especially when the teeth are impacted, infected, or causing crowding. Coverage amounts and any waiting periods vary significantly between plans, and in some cases, may also involve your medical insurance if the surgery requires hospital-based anesthesia. The most reliable way to know your exact costs is to have the office submit a pre-treatment estimate to your insurer before scheduling. Patient First Dental accepts a variety of insurance providers and can help you understand what your plan covers.
Where can I find a dentist who performs wisdom teeth extraction near San Jose, CA?
Look for a dentist near San Jose with specific experience performing wisdom tooth extractions and offering sedation options for anxious patients, such as Dr. Dennis Baik of Patient First Dental. We offer nitrous oxide, IV conscious sedation, and oral sedation, and serve San Jose and nearby communities, including Blossom Valley, South San Jose, Santa Teresa, Almaden Valley, Evergreen, and Los Gatos.